Transitions

tran·si·tion

tranˈziSHən,-ˈsiSHən/

noun

noun: transition; plural noun: transitions

1. 
the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.

It seems everyone I talk to these days is in some sort of transition.  New job, new position in old job, getting ready to move, getting ready to retire, sending kids to college, college kids trying to get their career started, and all sort of goals for growth, development, learning, and fulfillment.  Things that will make life “better.”  With all transitions, there are things we miss about the “before,” and we look forward to “what will be.”

I had the privilege to attend the 65^th Wedding Anniversary of my good friend and mentor this past weekend.  I have written about the great advice George Callahan has given me since I was 17 years old, and this weekend again provided an opportunity to glean some wisdom from a life very well lived.  George reminded me not to be in a hurry for the future, because it will come soon enough.  His simple rule is to work hard at work, and work on your marriage everyday.  George didn’t worry about transitions over the past 92 years.  Fighting in WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam, taught George to embrace everyday as a gift, and knew there was only one thing he could control:  His outlook.  George has embodied the Golden Rule, and his energy is like a people magnet.  He always has a kind word for everyone, a quick smile, and that’s what he received back from those he’s met over his long life.

Yes, we’re all in transitions… moving on from the old to the new, but on this Labor Day, it might be good to remind ourselves to slow down just a tad, because the future will be here soon enough.